Tuesday, April 27, 2004

The meeting began with a Scripture reading and the parish prayer.

On the topic of Adult Education, we reported on the second meeting of the book discussion group. We had about a dozen people attend and it seemed to be enjoyable to those at the meeting. It prompts us to think about other activities similar to the book discussion group as well as consider a variety of different kinds of books. We have asked the group for recommendations on books. The next meeting will be on the 16^th of May for the continued discussion of Groome’s book. In addition to book discussion, the Parish Council members were asked for suggestions on other types of adult education. One suggestion was group discussion on Scripture and the variety of ways to do it. Evenings would be preferable according to some members. George Clisham volunteered to take responsibility for coordinating the format. Another suggestion was to look into the commentaries available as a useful guide for individuals.. One suggestion was to use secular books and discuss from a Catholic Christian perspective. We may compile a list of these types of books for further discussion. Movies may also be a great way to educate and some movies are very conducive to faith focused dialogue. The attraction may be much greater than book discussion. It seemed to be an idea this group embraced. If we decide to offer this program we will have refreshments and make it more like a regular movie attendance—including popcorn. One movie suggested was Spitefire Grill and perhaps we will start with a Wednesday. There is a great deal of information on the web sites for film choice. Lower church was thought to be a good place. June 23^rd will be our first event for Spitefire Grill at 7:30 PM.

Last year we had a Saturday morning of guided prayer in the Lower Church. We wanted to revisit that offering. Perhaps we should do something in the Fall. Because a Saturday is usually so busy some people thought it would work well because they are out doing errands and this would work well. It was decided to begin in the Fall rather than at this time of the year, particularly with some of the church changes within reconfiguration.

We wanted someone to take responsibility for this effort and Maureen Conway will inquire with other groups within our church.

Topic of Easter Triduum was discussed and the group was asked to identify what they thought went well and what could have been better. Some mentioned the value and enjoyment of the educational service explaining the ceremonial events held throughout the weekend. Those in attendance seemed to enjoy it very much. Howard Lotis mentioned that they may try to do the same type of service at Christmas. Many comments were made about the Easter Vigil service which started at 8:30 PM this year. It usually is a three hour service and some thought it would be too late and so opted for the morning masses. We also mentioned that many people who do not attend mass during the year attend during Easter and the same seemed to happen this year.

The masses went a little too long this year and created a problem for people coming to mass when the previous mass was not finished. Parking their car was a big issue and then waiting outside the church for the earlier mass to end was the other issue.

Regarding the readings during the Easter Vigil it was reported that many people do not like the number of readings and psalms, which seem excessively long and they would like the option of fewer readings.

On the issue of reconfiguration Father O’Brien spoke to Father Barr from Star of the Sea parish . We tentatively planned that the May 25^th meeting would be a joint meeting but we do not know until later in May if Star of the Sea may be closed.

If this occurs, we would like a meeting to get to know one another rather than a business meeting. The question of whether or not Sacred Heart could close arose and the answer is that it certainly could close but it is not likely. We await the decisions and go from there. People need to be prepared for whatever. Father O’Brien sent a message to Kathleen Hecht regarding the transitional team. We needed to know how to put together our team. There seemed to be some conflicting definitions of the team. The team will serve about one year. Father O’Brien took some suggested names of people from the Council members. Two members from the Parish Council, Rosemary Kubera and George Clisham volunteered to be on the transitional team. Other candidates that will be invited will be people that represent different age groups. Several from the Staff will be on the team.

On a different subject, many complaints have come to our attention regarding the sound system within the church. Many people complain that they can not hear some of the people speaking from the pulpit. Father O’Brien has been working with a company and would like a sound system left in the church as a demonstration for a few weeks. He said there are really three parts to the problem; one is the sound system, one is the microphone and the other is the speaker. We need to start with training the speakers.

Kevin Coughlin spoke about an organization called Cradles to Crayons and asked people to consider either volunteer work or donations. It is primarily a clearinghouse for children’s clothes and toys—in fact, they have about 25 drives between now and June. They actually have volunteers come from all over the country. We will put a notice in the bulletin.

Those in attendance were Rosemary Kubera, Margaret Kinsella, Rose Mary Feeney, Howard Lotis, Maureen Conway, George Clisham, Deacon John Salenius, David Shoemaker, RickRossi, Norma Murphy, Father O’Brien, Debbie Riordan, Kevin Coughlin, Rick Letham and Marge O’Day.

 The next Parish Council meeting will be on May 25, 2004.